Kolkata Hospital Stops Treating Bangladeshi Patients Amid Tensions

Kolkata’s JN Ray Hospital announced on Friday that it will no longer treat patients from Bangladesh for now. This decision follows reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and disrespect towards the Indian flag by some Bangladeshi nationals.

The hospital, located in the Manicktala area, said the move is a protest against the mistreatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Subhranshu Bhakt, a hospital official, stated, “Starting today, we will not admit any Bangladeshi patients. This is our way of standing up for the Hindus in Bangladesh and showing respect for our Indian flag.” He also encouraged other hospitals in Kolkata to take similar actions.

This decision comes at a time when Hindu temples in Chattogram, Bangladesh, are facing attacks. On Friday, a group vandalized three temples—Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple—in the Harish Chandra Munsef Lane area. According to reports, the attack happened around 2:30 PM when several hundred people threw bricks at the temples while shouting slogans. The local police, led by Kotwali Police Station chief Abdul Karim, confirmed the incident but said the damage was minor.

Tapan Das, a member of the temple committee, shared that a large crowd showed up after Friday prayers, shouting anti-Hindu slogans. When the situation escalated, they called in the Army, and order was eventually restored.

The attacks were reported after the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spiritual leader and former ISKCON member, who was charged with sedition. His arrest sparked protests by the Hindu community in different cities in Bangladesh.

India is worried about the rising violence and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament that Bangladesh must protect all its citizens, including minorities. He said, “Extreme violence and hateful speech are not acceptable. It is Bangladesh’s duty to safeguard its minorities.”

At the same time, Bangladesh is concerned about the protests happening outside its deputy high commission in Kolkata and has urged India to protect its diplomatic missions.